In a bustling city like Detroit, parking can pose a challenge. The metro area is so congested, in fact, that spaces almost always fill as soon as they empty.
This causes a lot of wear and tear to the underlying asphalt and concrete, which means when you do manage to spot a space, you probably have to maneuver over potholes to get to it. Naturally, such conditions make slipping, tripping, and falling likely once you get out of your vehicle and start walking.
Fortunately, if you slipped, tripped, or fell in a parking lot, you may be entitled to compensation for the associated damages. Before you proceed with a personal injury claim, though, here’s what you should know:
1. A Government Agency May Be Liable
If the lot in which you were hurt isn’t owned or operated by a private party, the local municipality may be liable for the damages. Should this be the case, you’ll have to act fast because claims against government entities have much shorter procedural deadlines.
In the state of Michigan, for example, injured parties must notify the appropriate agency of their claim within just 120 days. If the government denies your request for compensation, you will have two years from when the cause of action accrued to file a formal suit.
2. The Accident May Have Been Caught on Camera
If the parking lot in which you were hurt is in a fairly developed area, there’s a good chance your slip, trip, or fall was captured by surveillance cameras in the vicinity. Advancements in technology have made security systems more affordable than ever, and even small businesses with smaller margins can monitor their premises 24/7.
It’s worth noting, however, that if any such footage exists, it will probably be overwritten in a matter of weeks. As such, you’ll have to request it fairly soon after the accident. If the owner of the footage is unwilling to surrender it, a resourceful personal injury attorney can help you apply the legal pressure needed to obtain it.
3. The Damages Could Be Significant
Slipping and falling may not seem like a serious accident, but depending on the circumstances, catastrophic injuries could result. If you end up hitting your head on a concrete divider, for example, you could sustain brain damage.
Since some of the most serious injuries—brain damage included—may not manifest any immediate symptoms, it’s essential that you visit a doctor right away, even if you feel relatively fine. Without prompt medical attention, serious complications could arise.
Speak with a Detroit Premises Liability Attorney Today
If you intend to sue a parking lot owner in Michigan, turn to Seva Law Firm. We take great pride in helping the injured pursue the compensation they need to move on with life.
Our resourceful team has secured more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Call (248) 385-5704 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a premises liability lawyer in Detroit.
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